Welcome to the
Oakland / Bay Area Connect Group
Oakland / Bay Area , California
76 Members
Live Yes! Connect Groups offer local connections, education and empowerment. Adults living with arthritis from our local community come together for professional- and volunteer-led sessions on a variety of topics, as well as fun group activities.
We offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group participants become self-advocates, develop self-management skills and learn how to not just survive life with arthritis but to thrive.
Upcoming Events
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Saturday December 10th 2022
12:00 AM - through
-
Saturday December 10th 2022
12:00 AM
The Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis is among the nation's most incredible themed events. This fun and festive 5K race benefits the Arthritis Foundation's fight for the arthritis community - and helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. Wear your favorite holiday outfit, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces and help us find a cure!
- Event List
- Saturday December 10th 2022 12:00 AM
- through
- Saturday December 10th 2022 12:00 AM
The Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis is among the nation's most incredible themed events. This fun and festive 5K race benefits the Arthritis Foundation's fight for the arthritis community - and helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. Wear your favorite holiday outfit, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces and help us find a cure!
Facilitators [2]
Members [76]
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Connect Groups - Oakland / Bay Area California
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Comments [6]
Can anyone tell me why 9.7 is considered high CCP level when everything I have read states 20 is a high level? My RF factor is high 156 but CCP is 9.7 and all other blood tests are normal. I have swollen joints and other signs of RA but wondering if it could be something else? Taking Hydroxychloroquine and my doctor wants to put me on mtx which I don't want to do if I can manage on Hydroxychloroquine. He scares me when he tellls me the RA will attack my organs if I don't take it. Anyone in this group who has lived with this disease for awhile can enlighten me I would appreciate it!
Hello fellow warriors,
Is this group still facilitated? I was hoping to find robust discussion & networking; dealing with a chronic condition in isolatoin is so challenging! I've yearned for a local support group for years....anyone else?
Best,
Jennifer (SF)
Hello,
Also been looking for a local support network for a while. I hope this group is still going. Wishing everyone pain free days!
Lisa in SF
Hi Jennifer,
I completely understand. I am not sure these groups are active, but I really want them to be!
Hello :)
I used to be fairly active, then started having joint pain in 2019, age 38. My PCP ran bloodwork, but the only thing that shows up sometimes is slightly increased inflammation. She referred me to a rheumatologist in Sept and my bloodwork tests were “reassuringly normal”. I’d like to find out what is causing the joint pain so that it can be treated / not get worse. My mom was diagnosed with RA at 56 and has a finger she cannot bend :(
In an arthritis group, two tests were mentioned that I haven’t had yet: Protein 14-3-3η (Eta) test and Vectra test.
Does anyone have any experience with these? Does insurance in California ever cover these tests?
Thanks!
Jessica
Hi Erin,
Thanks for starting this group. I am new to the group and to RA. I am in the larger Bay Area, but since all connections are virtual, I suppose that will work! I look forward to getting to know the group!
Alice
Hi Alice -- welcome! We are working on scheduling our next event and would love for you to join us!
Hi All! I hope you all are doing well. My name is Eryn and I am the new facilitator for this group. This is a very new group and we are just getting it up and going. Thanks for joining! We are in the process of scheduling our first joint virtual event with other Bay Area Connect groups. Stay tuned for more information soon!
I have RA and I am now unable to get the Hydroxychloroquine that I have been prescribed by my doctor for the last 11 years. I take this in addition to Methotrexate and Prednisone (when needed for flares). The Hydroxychloroquine has helped lessen the severe flares and made them less frequent. My Doctor told me that I should start rationing the Plaquenil (Hydroxy) to make it last longer, because he can no longer prescribe it, due to the nationwide shortage. How can the government do this to people who need this medicine? I hope to raise awareness of this issue and stop the government from taking medicine from those who need it. Help!
Hi Anne -- nice to meet you virtually! I hope you have already been able to figure this out, but in case this is helpful I wanted to share an Arthritis Foundation resource that exists. There is a helpline for issues accessing medication, finding care, insurance issues, medication/diagnosis questions. The number is: 1.800.283.7800
Hi Anne -- nice to meet you virtually! I hope you have already been able to figure this out, but in case this is helpful I wanted to share an Arthritis Foundation resource that exists. There is a helpline for issues accessing medication, finding care, insurance issues, medication/diagnosis questions. The number is: 1.800.283.7800